Chatt-a-Hoots Reveal First Manager; Coaching Staff

Columbus, GA - The Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots are excited to announce their first manager in team history.

Steve Smith of the Calvary Christian Baseball program has agreed to terms to become the Chatt-a-Hoots manager for the 2021 baseball season.

"For more than a decade the Columbus area has been calling for a baseball team to once again occupy Historic Golden Park and I'm excited to be part of that team bringing it back" Smith said.  "I want to thank Owner Jeff Croop and President/General Manager Scott Brand for giving me the opportunity to lead this baseball team and their commitment in providing the best facilities, amenities and player/fan experience! Summer baseball is back in Columbus!"

Smith's baseball acumen is one of the best in the area. As the Baseball Director and Varsity Head Coach at Calvary Christian he has won two state titles (2018, 2019), six regional championships (2014-2019), amassed a Varsity coaching record of 151-52, and has been named GICAA Coach of the Year twice (2018, 2019).

As the director of the Calvary Christian program his teams from 6th grade to Varsity have a combined record of 276-107 under his watch.

Smith has also named Rodney Rutherford as his first assistant coach on staff for the 2021 season.

Rutherford is also a great local baseball talent. In 2003 he was drafted as a senior out of Shaw High School in the 36th round to the Florida Marlins. He forewent that opportunity to play college baseball at Chattahoochee Valley Community College and then later at Columbus State. With the Cougars he was a two-time All-Conference and a 2008 All-American. In 2008 he led the NCAA D-2 ranks with 26 home runs. While in college he was drafted in the 20th round by the Oakland A's where he spent two season in the minors before retiring from baseball all together.

"As a coaching staff we are committed to providing an environment of character, development, and excellence on and off the field through the summer months" Smith said. "We will work to make the Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots the desired summer baseball team to play for in the region by attracting the top local talent. Our commitment to the fans will be to put an excellent product and winning team on the field."

Prospective players interested in trying out for the Chatt-a-Hoots can follow this link and fill out our tryout form. The 2021 Sunbelt Baseball League season is slated to start in early June.